At Stewards Academy, we are committed to nurturing the potential of every student and equipping them with the tools to thrive both academically and personally. This academic year, we are thrilled to announce our second cohort of Year 9 pupils have participated in an exciting initiative to support their personal development and growth: The Rising Futures Programme. This innovative programme is designed to encourage forward-thinking, build confidence, and develop vital life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. 

The Rising Futures Programme is an exclusive opportunity offered to eighteen selected Year 9 pupils who have been identified as deserving of a chance to develop their leadership potential, broaden their horizons, and focus on their future careers and aspirations. This intervention is led by the inspiring Verity Walsh, whose dedication to the personal development and success of every pupil is truly unmatched. Known for her selflessness, compassion, and unwavering belief in the potential of young people, Verity’s leadership ensures that every participant feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach for their dreams.

Mrs Annetts, a dedicated teacher at Stewards Academy, accompanied the group on their inspiring trip to the Outdoor Pursuit Centre in Harlow, bringing her enthusiasm, encouragement, and support that motivated pupils to step out of their comfort zones and embrace every challenge. Lisa reflects on an unforgettable day and recounts how the pupils faced their fears and grew in both confidence and resilience. 

Local theatre performances

“Watching these students, many of them shy and unsure in school, collaborate and support one another was incredibly rewarding,” Lisa shared as she reflected on the morning’s team-building activities.

Later in the day, she witnessed a remarkable transformation during the climbing activity: “With each climb, I watched their self-doubt transform into pride. Their faces lit up with excitement as they reached the top, cheered on by their friends.”

Even the challenging weather didn’t dampen spirits during canoeing. “At first, there were a few wobbles and uncertain paddles, but soon they were working together, laughing as they steadied their boats,” Lisa recalled.

By the end of the day, Lisa was deeply moved by the students’ growth: “The transformation was clear—they had gained confidence, tried something new, and built stronger connections with one another. It was humbling to see how powerful hands-on experiences can be in shaping a young person’s growth.”

Mrs Hinds, the former Head of Year for this exceptional cohort and current Head of Fortitude, has been a steadfast champion for the students, known for her dedication to their success both in and beyond the classroom, and recently joined the group on an inspiring trip to the World of Work event at the Royal Engineering Army Barracks. She fondly described the importance of the experience, recounting how the students were given an exciting opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the essential work performed by the military engineers and witness the cutting-edge technology used by specialist forces.

“Our students had an incredible opportunity to visit the Royal Engineering Specialist Barracks, where they gained firsthand insights into the vital work of military engineering,” Mrs Hinds shared. 

The day was filled with hands-on experiences, from handling advanced IT equipment to engaging in practical demonstrations. “All students engaged in welding using milk bars to build a bridge and took part in interviewing several managers in their specialist field,” Julie explained.

Julie noted how the visit inspired many students to consider future careers in engineering, technology, and the armed forces. “One student shared, ‘It was amazing to see how engineering plays a role in defence and problem-solving!’” 

Julie also expressed her gratitude to the personnel at the barracks, saying, “A huge thank you to the personnel at the Royal Engineering Specialist Barracks for their warm welcome, informative sessions, and inspiring demonstrations.”

Behind the scenes, Miss Dorling and Mrs Goddard ensured the success of The Rising Future Programme with their essential administrative support and would like to express their pride in this cohort of pupils who showed tremendous courage and commitment throughout the programme, embracing every challenge with determination. 

Miss Dorling added that, “We are incredibly proud of the students’ efforts and are excited for their continued growth. We look forward to carefully selecting the next cohort of pupils who will have the opportunity to benefit from this inspiring programme. Lastly, we would like to extend a huge thank you to both Mrs Hinds and Mrs Annetts for supporting the students with care and enthusiasm, and a special thank you to the dedication expressed by Verity Walsh throughout the programme.”

As a community, Stewards Academy is incredibly proud of all the pupils involved in the Rising Futures Programme, celebrating their achievements and growth as they continue to thrive.